The Narrative Space Design of Bathhouse Museum Based on Bergson’s Memory Theory —— Nanjing Urn-shaped Public Bathhouse
As the ancient capital of six dynasties in Chinese history, Nanjing is undergoing the demise of cultural heritage. These disappearing ancient buildings not only represent the image of the city but also reflect the collective memory of the citizens. Urn-shaped Public Bathhouse is the earliest public bathhouses in China, which is an important stage to carry citizens’ public life and has a significant impact on citizens’ lives. However, with the rapid urbanization, this public bathhouse is facing closure, and more and more people have gradually forgotten this place. Therefore, as the carrier of the urban memory and culture, how to activate the forgotten public bathroom space and how to enhance the value of the urn-shaped public bathhouses are the focus of this design.
In this design, firstly, introduce the memory theory of French philosopher Henry Bergson, analyze the feasibility of memory theory intervening in spatial narratives, comprehensively discuss the two forms of time perception discussed in memory theory, and systematically construct a system based on different time perceptions. The design method of architectural narrative space is under the form and its specific design expression. Next, rethink the urn-shaped public bathhouse as an urban memorial with past forms and memories. Finally, based on the new form of the public bathhouse, people could have a dialogue with the city memory. With the hope of providing cultural and social value of the traditional public space, the public bathhouse, which is about to be forgotten, will be redesigned with people’s emotional life.
